The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has conferred certificates on six inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.

The graduands, who studied various programmes while in custody, received degrees in different disciplines, including two Master’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, as well as four Bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Criminology, and Security Studies.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Kuje Custodial Centre, Samson Duza, the ceremony highlighted NOUN’s commitment to accessible education and the Nigerian Correctional Service’s focus on inmate rehabilitation.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who was represented by the Deputy Controller-General, Amos Kupan, commended the inmates for their resilience and determination.

“Education transforms lives, builds capacity, and proves that incarceration is not a dead end but a pivot to growth and reintegration. We will continue to foster skills for re-entry and a better future,” he said.

Also speaking, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, congratulated the graduands and urged them to be good ambassadors of the custodial centre.

He advised them to use their certificates to improve their lives after discharge, stressing that they should not allow anyone to look down on them, and encouraged them to pursue further education.

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Mrs Modupe Adesina, represented by the Director of the NOUN Special Study Centre, Mr Francis Enobore, appreciated the Nigerian Correctional Service for 13 years of partnership and development.

Adesina described the programme as a pathway of hope, assuring that both institutions would continue to empower inmates to reintegrate into society with dignity.

“NOUN’s open model empowers even the marginalised. These graduates have shown that learning heals, equips, and dignifies. We will expand such partnerships,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Mr Abbas Kyari expressed gratitude to the Controller-General of Corrections, officers and men of the Kuje custodial centre, as well as the NOUN management, for the opportunity to acquire education while in custody.

He said the learning experience restored his sense of purpose, adding, “I am grateful that our years here were not wasted. What we have achieved will be useful to us for the rest of our lives.”